Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 433: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans he has to introduce an allowance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37415/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has been at the forefront in recent years in bringing forward proposals and introducing initiatives designed to reduce the cost of living for communities in the circumstances described by the Deputy and to enhance their lifestyle accordingly. In the matter of allowances, I would remind the Deputy that for a number of years now an extra allowance of €12.70 is paid to persons in such circumstances who are entitled to State pensions and other categories of assistance from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

While a range of practical steps has been taken in regard to supporting the communities in question, the Deputy will appreciate the constraints that arise in seeking to address these matters adequately in the context of a 'details supplied' Question. Accordingly, I propose to write separately to the Deputy setting out some further information regarding the considerable progress that has been achieved in this regard in recent years.